HX Magazine 2024 | Edition 2

JPM International celebrates
teamwork and top sport
With the second edition of JPM International not blessed with great
weather, everyone pulled together to get the show on the road. And
thanks to the excellent footing of the arenas at CSI3* event in Kessel,
the show could go on. Other inconveniences caused by the rain got
solved with swift thinking and determination. Two qualities that the
winner of the Grand Prix also possesses. 18-year-old Con Quidam
added another marvelous winning title to his name, earning his
rider Sanne Thijssen her second top-tier victory in Kessel.
“There is always something to learn and to improve going from an inaugural 1st edition
to the second”, Janou Hendrix tell us. “This year we aimed on crossing the t’s and
dotting the i’s when it comes to all the facilities. And in comparison with 2023 there
was no entry fee to the showgrounds. This made the event more accessible to local
families and for example tourists. Enjoying the show for us does not only mean hosting
top sport but also being able to share the excitement with lots of others. Especially on
Sunday we succeeded in this, and we had a full house for the Grand Prix."
It's the little things
However, the success of the event is not just measured in numbers. The organization
made everyone working at and competing in the show feel especially welcome
too. “I’m not sure where to begin”, one of the foreign riders admits. “We’ve
received branded chocolates and a handy thermos, plus fresh strawberries and
that just for the humans. I saw my groom smiling when he pulled open the rug
sack he got at the show office, so I am on my way to see which goodies he’s got.”
Qualified on Kessel soil
The warm-up and show arena footing is meticulously maintained by LHK Projects.
The company that is co-owned by Michel Hendrix knows their stuff and the LHK-crew
is fully geared towards maintaining the best footing during the show. Known for their
efficiency, the crew seems undeterred by the weather forecast. This is when the
technique behind their eb-and-flow system gets to shine. With the CSIO5* in Sankt
Gallen having turned into a water ballet, JPM International even offered Dutchman
Willem Greve and his mount Grandorado TN the opportunity to qualify on Kessel soil
for the Olympic Games in Paris.
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